Chicago Bears season outlook: quarterbacks

For the next few weeks we’ll be taking a look at a season preview for the Chicago Bears broken down by position, beginning first with the quarterback situation. When Jay Cutler was brought to Chicago from Denver in 2009, fans were relieved that the Bears had finally found their franchise quarterback. Some of those fans have backed off a bit as Cutler hasn’t exactly put up the numbers that they had hoped for. But don’t be quick to blame the gun-slinger out of Vanderbilt.

Cutler hasn’t had a lot of protection since coming to Chicago. In fact, he has had one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Aside from being chased out of the pocket seemingly every drop-back, Cutler hasn’t exactly had stellar receivers in his time as a Bear either. Until last year, when the Bears traded for Brandon Marshall, Cutler did not have an elite target to throw to. Now with Marshall and last year’s second round draft pick Alshon Jeffery, who hopes to remain healthy this year, Cutler has a more supportive receiving crew.

With new additions on the offensive line, which we will get into in a couple weeks, the Bears hope that Cutler will have some additional time to read through his options and thus make better decisions – he was sacked 38 times last season, the fifth most in the NFL.

The biggest addition to help Cutler, however, may not even be someone wearing pads. New head coach Marc Trestman has worked with some very successful quarterbacks in his past as an offensive coordinator, including hall-of-famer Steve Young. Trestman’s knowledge of the game is something that will strongly benefit the free-throwing Cutler’s decision making. The two have both expressed their excitement about working together, which shows that they are committed to each other.

With an improved offensive line, better receivers, and a coach who is willing to get the very best out of his quarterback, Jay Cutler is primed for a big season. Look for him to cut down on the turnovers and continue to improve his decision making. Assuming everybody stays healthy, Cutler has the chance to be one of the league’s better quarterbacks.

While the starting position is set in stone with Cutler, the backup situation might get ugly if an injury were to happen. Last year’s backup, Jason Campbell, didn’t turn out the way the Bears had hoped. When he played, he was not very good. He finished the season with a 23.5 quarterback rating and four turnovers compared to two touchdowns. He was not brought back this season and instead the Bears brought back Josh McCown for his second stint with the team. He will serve as the primary backup this year, followed by Matt Blanchard, who has yet to play in an NFL game. Bears fans better hope Cutler can stay healthy, or else things could go downhill very quickly.

Jay Cutler Stats

I work at Vandy and I am a little biased because we all love Jay here. I have seen him throughout his entire career.

Do you think that Jason Cambell was really not that bad, but because of the poor O-line and receivers other than Earl the Pearl and BMarsh. Jason struggled. Look at Green Bay when Rodgers went out and Matt Flynn went in he set a franchise record of 6 TDs, now he is fighting to be a starter. It’s all about your protection and weapons. Jay is a good QB.

Scott Albanese

You do make an interesting point David. Campbell did not have great players around him for support. Flynn was lucky to have one of the best O-lines and a great receiving crew, which could be the reason he was able to cash in with that heavy contract.

MAC

Matt Leinart ( last with Oakland ) and Trent Edwards ( last with Phil. ) are also veterans that are looking for jobs. VY couldn’t even make the roster in Buffalo last year, so unless he has changed a LOT, GOOD LUCK

Scott Albanese

JaMarcus Russell is set to work out with the Bears later this week also. I’m not sure how I feel about that though.

VC Evans

Vince Young is one of the better quarterback on the market, as a backup or starter….. He’s a Low cost – High reward type of guy….All VY need is a fair chance to compete…. and he will show everyone that he can perform at a high level and can still be a GAME CHANGER